Tanzanian President Hassan Inaugurated Amidst Deadly Post-Election Unrest

President Samia Suluhu Hassan was inaugurated Monday in a ceremony lacking public attendance, following an election marred by allegations of fraud and a violent crackdown on dissent, raising concerns about the country’s democratic trajectory.

The country’s electoral commission declared Hassan the winner with 98% of the vote in the October 29th election, but the opposition Chadema party was barred from contesting and its leader, Tundu Lissu, is currently on trial for treason. Chadema spokesman Deogratias Munishi, speaking from Kenya due to the ongoing unrest, described the election as “completely illegitimate, a total sham,” and alleges more than 1,000 people have been killed in a security crackdown on protesters. While Tanzanian authorities deny excessive force and have not released casualty figures, videos circulating from rights groups depict scenes of violence and numerous casualties. The situation is particularly concerning as Tanzania is a key regional player in East Africa.

A nationwide internet shutdown has hampered information flow, but reports indicate hospitals are overwhelmed and authorities are allegedly burying bodies in mass graves. Lissu’s American lawyer, Robert Amsterdam, stated his client “continues to languish in solitary confinement…for absolutely no reason other than his popularity, his credibility and his integrity,” and faces a potential death penalty if convicted. Prior to her succession of the late President John Magufuli in 2021, Hassan had initially signaled a move towards greater democratic reforms, including lifting bans on political rallies and releasing political prisoners – a contrast to the current climate. You can learn more about the history of political repression in Tanzania from Human Rights Watch.

Pope Leo yesterday called for an end to the violence, urging dialogue, while Amsterdam criticized the African Union’s congratulatory statement to Hassan as evidence of a “clubhouse for dictators.” Schools remain closed and public transport halted as the internet blackout continues. Munishi affirmed Chadema’s resolve, stating the opposition will continue regardless of Lissu’s imprisonment. This unrest mirrors a trend of disputed elections across Africa this year, including recent contested polls in Cameroon and Ivory Coast.

President Hassan, at her inauguration, called for “unity and solidarity” as the country grapples with the aftermath of the election and ongoing protests.